GRAP Phase-1 restrictions imposed in Delhi-NCR after air quality deteriorates to ‘poor’

New Delhi: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Thursday imposed Stage-I measures in Delhi-NCR under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) after the air quality fell into the “poor” category.“Due to adverse meteorological conditions, Delhi’s AQI is showing an increasing trend and today it was recorded at 226 (‘poor’ category). Forecasts by the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology indicate that it is likely to remain in the ‘poor’ category for the next two days,” a senior official told PTI.The CAQM sub-committee subsequently decided to implement all actions under Phase-I of GRAP in the entire NCR with immediate effect, the official said.

What is allowed and what is not

Under the GRAP Phase-I restrictions, open burning of garbage is strictly prohibited. Use of coal or wood as fuel has been banned in roadside eateries and commercial kitchens, with hotels, restaurants and open dining areas required to switch to electricity, gas or other clean fuels.Additionally, diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years have been barred from plying on Delhi roads.Dust suppression measures, including deployment of anti-smog guns, will be implemented at all construction and demolition sites. Projects exceeding 500 square meters must follow approved dust control plans.Use of diesel generators is permitted only for essential or emergency purposes. Polluting vehicles can be fined or confiscated. Traffic management measures include deploying police personnel at major intersections and advising drivers in Delhi NCR to switch off engines at red lights.